Greater Western Water opens doors to iconic land art sculpture

Greater Western Water (GWW) is thrilled to join Open House Melbourne’s program for the first time, providing the public with a rare opportunity to visit an internationally recognised land art sculpture at its Altona Treatment Plant.

Visitors who join our tours later this month will gain access to the world-renowned eight-acre piece of land art, called A Forest for Australia, created in 1998 by acclaimed Hungarian American environmental artist, Agnes Denes.

The land art sits on site at the Altona Treatment Plant and has only been open to the public a few times. Denes planted 3700 trees of several different native species to create five circular spirals. She chose the pattern to reflect the energy and flow of water in the tanks on site.

GWW’s General Manager of Operations and Delivery Solutions, Jodie Hallam said visitors on tour would also see firsthand how sewage is turned into recycled water that's used in local industry, and council and community green spaces.

“This tour is truly a rare opportunity to view a world-renowned piece of land art while learning more about how we process millions of litres of wastewater every day,” she said.

“We’re honoured to be the caretakers of A Forest for Australia. The land art has survived, sometimes against the odds of the drought and inhospitable soil conditions, and we’re happy to see that it’s thriving.”

“We’re committed to ensuring Agnes Denes’ living art endures for generations to come.”

A Forest for Australia, an eight-acre sculpture of trees of several different species to create five circular spirals. 
Photo: courtesy of artist, David Murphy.

A Forest for Australia initially experienced early challenges due to the millennial drought and incompatible soil conditions for the tree species selected.

However, following a rejuvenation program in 2015 in partnership with Greening the West, Hobsons Bay City Council and local volunteers, and GWW's ongoing commitment to care for the artwork, the Forest has been given a real chance to thrive.

Tours at the Altona Treatment Plant will run on Saturday 27 July and Sunday 28 July. Spots are filling fast! Visit Open House Melbourne’s website for further information and to secure a ticket.

Media enquiries
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